Authorities in Suba West, Homa Bay County, have introduced a vetting process for widow inheritors, aiming to eliminate individuals suspected of having criminal backgrounds. The initiative, led by Suba West Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Samson Akach, targets foreign inheritors who allegedly use the custom as a cover to hide from law enforcement after committing crimes elsewhere.
Speaking in Sena village, Mfangano Island, Akach emphasized that vetting committees have been established at the village level to assess the suitability of inheritors before they are allowed to engage with widows. The move seeks to prevent domestic violence and financial exploitation, which have reportedly been on the rise due to the infiltration of unverified inheritors.
According to Akach, many of these men lack proper identification documents and have no ties to the local community, raising concerns about their intentions. He urged widows and their families to conduct thorough background checks before allowing inheritance arrangements. Additionally, he advised young widows to be cautious, warning that some inheritors fail to provide basic needs, exploit resources, and abandon the widows after causing harm.
The new vetting initiative highlights the county’s broader efforts to promote security, safeguard vulnerable women, and curb criminal activities disguised as cultural practices.
